Changes to Donor Eligibility Requirements Allow More People to Give Blood

Texas Blood Institute is Calling on Donors of All Blood Types to Give

February 19 (WICHITA FALLS) – As winter weather and resulting blood drive cancelations severely impact the supply of life-saving blood, Texas Blood Institute is alerting potential donors that new eligibility rules allow more people to give the gift of life. Many veterans, healthcare workers and other civic minded individuals who were disqualified in the past are now cleared to donate again. 

Due to the nationwide blood shortage in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently revised a number of eligibility requirements for volunteer blood donors:
• Those who spent extended time in many European countries are now no longer deferred due to Mad Cow Disease risks. This change will likely allow many veterans and military personnel to donate blood.

Individuals in the following groups will remain deferred because of European residency:
• Those who spent three months or more in the United Kingdom from 1980-1996
• Those who spent five years or more in France or Ireland from 1980-2001

The following now only have a three-month deferral period (these were previously 12- month deferrals):
• Tattoos, ear piercings, and body piercings from unlicensed or unlisted facilities
• Blood transfusions
• Accidental needle stick or splash for health care workers
• Travel to malarial-endemic areas

Additionally, many donors are unsure if they can donate with some common health conditions. Diabetes, high blood pressure or thyroid disease are often not obstacles to giving blood. Donors who have received the COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer) face no waiting time before giving blood or platelets.

Texas Blood Institute has set up a hotline for donors who are unsure of their eligibility. Donors are asked to call 405-419-1538 with questions about their eligibility. Answers to frequently asked questions are listed at txbi.org/blood-donation/can-i-donate

“We’re excited to see the FDA use the latest scientific data to adjust deferral criteria, allowing us to welcome back many donors,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Texas Blood Institute. “Many donors who have previously been unable to give are now able to support the community blood supply that patients so desperately count on to recover from trauma, fight cancer, undergo surgery or battle life-threatening diseases.”

Texas Blood Institute is urging healthy adults age 16 or older of all blood types to give as soon as possible if they can safely visit a convenient donor center or mobile blood drive. Appointments to donate blood can be made at our donor center, finding a nearby blood drive, or by calling 877-340-8777. Walk-ins are welcome.

Need for Convalescent Plasma to Aid Local COVID-19 Patients

Texas Blood Institute (TBI) has an ongoing need for convalescent plasma from donors who have recovered from COVID-19 to treat seriously ill patients. The need for convalescent plasma in our area has increased exponentially in recent weeks, as hospitalizations surge. 

Blood donors who have tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies may be contacted by the blood center. Antibody testing information.*

You may also walk-in to our donor center at 3709 Gregory St. in Wichita Falls or find a mobile blood drive near you. Simply let our staff know that you wish to donate convalescent plasma. Females with a history of pregnancy may be asked to donate whole blood, to be tested for anti-HLA antibodies. 

A single plasma donation with Texas Blood Institute can provide plasma to up to four COVID-19 patients, in a process that takes about an hour and a half.

To provide convalescent plasma, donors must meet the criteria below:
• Have a prior diagnosis of COVID-19, documented by a laboratory test
• Be symptom-free for 14 days prior to donation
• Be eligible to donate blood

Donors can give convalescent plasma as often as every 7 days, although they must have antibody levels reviewed first. An appointment is required for repeat convalescent plasma donation.

“As the community’s blood supplier, we will do everything in our power to make sure that critically needed products are on the shelf when our hospital partners and their patients need them,” said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Texas Blood Institute. “The need is here, and even a brief delay in getting this plasma might cost a life or prolong the illness for a coronavirus victim. We’re asking all eligible convalescent plasma donors to contact Texas Blood Institute today to schedule an appointment to give.” 

COVID-19 Vaccine Information
• Recipients of any COVID-19 vaccines are NOT eligible to donate convalescent plasma at this time, according to current FDA guidance. (Please note: conversations are ongoing about this issue, so guidance could change.)
• If you received any mRNA vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna), you can donate all other blood products – including blood, platelets or traditional plasma – without any deferral period.
• If you received an adenovirus vector vaccines (Oxford/AstraZeneca, etc), you can donate all blood products (except convalescent plasma) after a two-week deferral.
• If you received a monoclonal antibodies (Regeneron or Eli Lilly), you are deferred for 12 months and not eligible to donate convalescent plasma.

*Must be 18 or older to receive antibody test. This test has not been reviewed by the FDA and is not intended for diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19.  Donors ages 16 or 17-years old need parental consent to be screened for COVID-19 antibodies and are not eligible to donate convalescent plasma. Please download the antibody screening consent form here. This test has not been FDA cleared or approved. It has been authorized by the FDA under an EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) for use by authorized laboratories. The test has been authorized only for the detection of the IgG antibody against SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens. Blood drives will be managed according to CDC safety recommendations. Test results will be made available post-donation.

Texas Blood Institute Testing Blood Donations for COVID-19 Antibodies

Texas Blood Institute will provide free COVID-19 antibody tests for all blood donors eighteen and older. Texas Blood Institute is the first blood center in the state to offer COVID-19 antibody screening service to its donors.

This testing initiative, provided at all donor centers and mobile blood drives, comes in the wake of an immediate need for blood donations due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations. Healthy donors are urged to give blood, and appointments are encouraged to allow for recommended social distancing. Donors are also required to wear masks. If you do not have one, we will provide one for you.

After 48-72 hours, donors may access their result online at yourbloodinstitute.org by setting up a donor portal log-in. (Look up donor ID- email you provided us is required).

Please call 877-340-8777 or email customerservice@obi.org if you have a question about your result. If you had tubes drawn without a blood donation (non-donor testing), you may also check your result on yourbloodinstitute.org.

Texas Blood Institute’s medical laboratory technicians will test each blood sample. A tube will be drawn at the time of donation. Donors may opt out of the antibody test.*

NOTE: If you have been vaccinated for COVID-19. The vaccine creates antibodies to COVID-19, but not the type that is seen through our specific antibody testing. Our test - done through Abbott - measures a type of antibody only produced if you’ve had COVID itself.

Texas Blood Institute’s donor center and mobile blood drives have instituted additional cleaning methods, decontaminating work and common areas and equipment frequently. In addition, donor centers and mobile blood drives have been adapted to allow for social distancing. All phlebotomy staff will wear masks. Staff members and donors will also have their temperatures taken before starting work or entering the facility.  Donors are required to wear masks, and if you do not have one, one will be provided for you.

Texas Blood Institute is following safety recommendations set forth by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). Texas Blood Institute is committed to maintaining the safest standards for blood collection, testing and transfusion.

Texas Blood Institute supports the inventory for patients in all major hospitals in the Texoma region. Appointments can be made by calling 1-877-340-8777, or clicking here to find a blood drive near you.

Or you can stop by our donor center in Wichita Falls.

*To give blood, 16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds. Must be 18 or older to receive antibody test. This test has not been reviewed by the FDA and is not intended for diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19.  Donors ages 16 or 17-years old need parental consent to be screened for COVID-19 antibodies and are not eligible to donate convalescent plasma. Please download the antibody screening consent form here. This test has not been FDA cleared or approved. It has been authorized by the FDA under an EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) for use by authorized laboratories. The test has been authorized only for the detection of the IgG antibody against SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens. Blood drives will be managed according to CDC safety recommendations. Test results will be made available post-donation.

COVID-19: Texas Blood Institute Urges Donations Amid Concerns

Blood donation can’t wait.

Blood donation is safe and critically important, despite concerns surrounding coronavirus (COVID-19). Texas Blood Institute is, as always, committed to safety for our donors, patients, and communities, and we urge you to keep your scheduled appointments and continue to donate blood.

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) reports no cases of COVID-19 transmitted through blood transfusion, and respiratory viruses generally are not known to be transmitted by blood transfusion.

“We need people to start turning out in force to give blood,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA.

Find a blood drive.

Texas Blood Institute is following safety recommendations set forth by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). Texas Blood Institute is committed to maintaining the safest standards for blood collection, testing and transfusion. Our donor centers and blood drives practice rigorous safety and cleanliness standards. As Texas Blood Institute monitors this rapidly developing situation, we will immediately inform the community about any changes in procedures or processes.

Texas Blood Institute’s donor centers and mobile blood drives have instituted additional cleaning methods, decontaminating work and common areas and equipment frequently. In addition, phlebotomy and donor services staff will wear masks and donor centers and mobile blood drives have been adapted to allow for social distancing.

We respectfully require donors to wear a mask in the donor area, as a courtesy to other donors and staff. If you don’t have a mask, please ask our staff and one will be provided for you. Thank you for your help in protecting others! All staff and donors will also have their temperatures taken before starting work or entering the facility. We are limiting the number of donors in the donor area, to allow for social distancing. If the donor area is full, please give us your cell phone number and we will call you when you’re ready to enter.

In an abundance of caution, we ask that donors refrain from giving blood if they have been diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19, unless it’s been 14 days since the complete resolution of symptoms; or if they’ve tested positive for COVID-19, but never developed symptoms, unless it’s been 14 days since the positive test.

Dr. Tuan Le, Chief Medical Officer of Texas Blood Institute, stresses:

• Practice cough & sneeze etiquette
• Stay home when sick
• Clean hands often with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your face after touching surfaces

As COVID-19 and resulting concerns continue to spread, additional challenges to the blood supply have occurred, including canceled and postponed blood drives. Texas Blood Institute depends on 1,200 donors per day to support the inventory needed for patients in all major hospitals in the Texoma region.  

“Blood is a perishable product and we need constant donations not only to meet our community needs, but in case of local and national emergencies,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Texas Blood Institute. “We urge healthy adults to continue their regular blood donations so the lifesaving supply can be maintained for our local patients who depend on blood products during treatment for cancer, traumatic injuries and other life-threatening conditions.”

“During routine blood donation screening, we ask donors if they are feeling well and healthy at the time of their donation,” said Dr. Le. “We always ask that donors who are not feeling well refrain from giving blood until they’re healthy.”

Blood donation typically takes only about an hour, and one donation saves up to three lives. Appointments can be made by calling 1-877-340-8777 or clicking here or visiting our Wichita Falls donor center.

*To give blood, 16 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds

Follow Texas Blood Institute’s social media platforms for developments on the situation:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Recovered Patients Donate Convalescent Plasma to Help Those Suffering Severe Symptoms

Texas Blood Institute (TBI) is recognizing donors who have given convalescent plasma as part of an experimental initiative to use the product to treat patients suffering severe symptoms of COVID-19.

By creating a registry of available patients, Texas Blood Institute can ensure local patients receive the donated products and have the best possible chance at fighting the illness.

The afternoon of Tuesday, March 24, Skip Wrightsman, 54, suddenly felt as if he was having heart issues, describing his symptoms as a fifty-pound weight on his chest—then he began to have trouble breathing and felt dizzy and feverish. He went to the ER while experiencing chills and a temperature of more than 101 degrees. Wrightsman was admitted to ICU with a massive headache, fever and racing heartbeat.

Wrightsman received a trio of medications and began feeling better over the next few days, and was released from the hospital on Saturday, March 28, to continue his recovery at home.

Wrightsman’s doctor worked closely with the Blood Institute to arrange for Wrightsman to donate his plasma to help other patients.  He donated two units on Tuesday, April 14.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to help,” said Wrightsman. “God has asked me to do two things 1) love Him, and 2) love others.”

To provide convalescent plasma, donors must meet the criteria below:
• Have a prior diagnosis of COVID-19, documented by a laboratory test
• Be symptom-free for 14 days prior to donation
• Be eligible to donate blood and 7 days post blood or plasma donation

Global Blood Fund Receives $25,000 Donation to Fight Bleeding Deaths

April 30, 2018-  Global Blood Fund (GBF), a 501(c)(3) charity founded in 2008 with support from Texas Blood Institute received a generous $25,000 donation from Terumo BCT to combat the world transfusion crisis. 

Terumo BCT, a global leader in blood component, therapeutic apheresis and cellular technologies, is committed to advancing blood safety throughout the world.

The donated funds will be utilized for various projects to improve transfusion care in emergent nations.  Among its programs, GBF re-homes donated blood banking equipment, delivers and sponsors training programs, and supports efforts to reduce the stark inequalities in access to safe blood that exist between higher- and lower-income countries.

“We are very grateful to Terumo BCT for its leadership in supporting better transfusion care for the majority of people across the globe who cannot be assured that blood will be available for them when it is needed,” said John Armitage, M.D., CEO of Texas Blood Institute and Chair of GBF. “This gift will help fight the annual deaths of hundreds of thousands of women hemorrhaging during childbirth and young children under age five succumbing to malaria, injuries, other afflictions.”

Since its inception in 2008, GBF has supported transfusion-related initiatives in more than 40 countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia.  In 2017, the value of equipment donated approached $2 million and included multiple bloodmobiles sent to Africa and Mexico. Other recent endeavors include pan-African donor management workshops run in collaboration with the Africa Society for Blood Transfusion (AfSBT) and the opening of a rural blood bank in Laos.

“Terumo BCT and the Global Blood Fund share a commitment to serving patients by unlocking the potential of blood across the globe,” said Michael Lees, Terumo BCT, Vice President, Commercial, North America. “We are honored to support GBF’s work serving those patients most in need, in parts of the world that are still developing their blood transfusion capabilities across Africa, Latin America and Asia. Terumo BCT is proud to support GBF’s work to directly improve patient’s access to safe blood around the world.”

The Global Blood Fund is a US and UK registered non-profit with a mission to improve the safety and availability of transfusion care in resource-poor communities worldwide.  Since 2008 it has provided equipment and training to build donor recruitment and collection capacity so that blood can save lives wherever and whenever it is needed.  Please visit globalbloodfund.org for further details.

Terumo BCT, a global leader in blood component, therapeutic apheresis and cellular technologies, is the only company with the unique combination of apheresis collections, manual and automated whole blood processing and pathogen reduction technologies. We believe in the potential of blood to do even more for patients than it does today. This belief inspires our innovation and strengthens our collaboration with customers. Learn more at terumobct.com.

Texas Blood Institute Issues Urgent Call for Blood Donors

February 22, 2018 – The winter weather, hazardous road conditions, closings and cancellations that affected the region this week are critically impacting Texas Blood Institute’s supply of life-saving blood. Now that the weather has cleared, Texas Blood Institute urgently needs donors of all blood types to give blood as soon as they can to help replenish the supply.*

Over the last three days, only about half of the donors needed to maintain the blood supply have been able to donate.  As a result, Texas Blood Institute must recover from that deficit while still maintaining our regular blood needs.

“The urgency for patients is going to continue for the next several days until our inventory rebounds,” said Dr. John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Texas Blood Institute.  “We know we can rely on our donors who have the reputation of having a heart for helping neighbors in need.”

Due to the urgency of the situation, Texas Blood Institute has extended its hours at the Wichita Falls donor center.  The center will be open until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23 and until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24.  Donors can also give at any mobile drive.  Search for drives in your area by clicking here. 

As a non-profit blood center, Texas Blood Institute’s donors provide every drop of blood needed for patients in eight hospitals in the Texoma region.

Appointments are not required but can be made by calling Texas Blood Institute at 877-340-8777 or clicking here.

*16 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds

Flu Epidemic Impacting Blood Supply, Healthy Blood Donors Needed Now

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ─  The flu epidemic affecting Texas is negatively impacting the blood supply.  Because so many of our regular donors are ill, or taking care of sick family members, they’ve been unable to give blood.  Additionally, the widespread flu is forcing school closures, and parents are unable to keep their blood donation appointments.  All of this puts even more strain on the blood supply.

Texas Blood Institute is urging all healthy adults, ages sixteen and up*, to give blood.  Blood donors who have been diagnosed with flu should wait seven days since their last symptoms to give blood.  Donors may give blood the same day they receive a flu vaccine.

Beginning February 1st, all Texas Blood Institute blood donors will receive their choice of a new, trendy t-shirt in one of three featured colors, “Strong” olive, “Bold” maroon, or “Fearless” teal. 

“The flu has hit our state particularly hard, but the need for blood remains constant, and there is no substitute,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Texas Blood Institute. “That’s why we are calling on all donors who are able to give blood, or those who have never given before, to stop by one of our donor centers or mobile blood drives.  If you have recovered from the flu, or been unaffected by it, we urge you to use your good health to save lives today.”

Only ten percent of people in the United States who are eligible to give blood actually do.  Blood donation takes only about an hour, and each donation can save the lives of up to three patients. 

As part of the nation’s 9th largest non-profit blood center, Texas Blood Institute serves eight hospitals in the Texoma region.  Appointments to give blood aren’t required but can be made by calling 877.340.8777 or clicking here to schedule an appointment online.

Be sure to like and follow Texas Blood Institute on Facebook for more information on the flu and blood donation:

*16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year-olds must weigh at least 110 pounds

Unprecedented Flooding, Hurricane Harvey Prompt Immediate Need for Blood Donors

(Updated) August 28, 2017 ─ Catastrophic flooding in Houston and the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey are prompting Texas Blood Institute to issue an immediate call for blood donors of all blood types.  Blood centers in Houston and other affected areas are unable to collect blood, and Texas Blood Institute is taking part in the nationwide relief effort to help shore up the life-saving blood supply.

Texas Blood Institute has already sent 300 units of blood and 25 units of platelets to areas affected by flooding, and has been asked to provide 400 more units this week.  This can only be done if generous donors step up and become part of the disaster response. A major problem blood centers in Southeast Texas are facing is transporting blood to hospitals.  Texas Blood Institute is working with a Dallas-based blood center to help transport the blood to hospitals and patients who need it.

“Blood centers affected by this disaster could be shut down for days or weeks,” said John Armitage, M.D., President and CEO of Texas Blood Institute. “Texas Blood Institute is ready to help our neighbors dealing with this unprecedented flooding in Houston, and we know that we can count on our donors to make the commitment to give blood or platelets.”

Donors can give blood at Texas Blood Institute’s donor center in Wichita Falls at 3709 Gregory Street, or at any mobile blood drive.

Texas Blood Institute is joining blood centers across the U.S. in the flood relief efforts, as part of AABB’s Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism, which ensures safe and adequate blood product inventories are in place at all times in preparation for disasters and assesses the need for collections and/or transportation of blood should a disaster occur.

Texas Blood Institute is part of the 9th largest, non-profit blood center in the United States.  It relies solely on volunteer blood donors each day to serve all major hospitals in the Texoma region. 

Appointments to give blood aren’t required but can be made by calling 877.340.8777 or booking online.

*16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year-olds must weigh at least 110 pounds